Batten Disease

Definition

Batten disease is the most common form of a group of rare disorders known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). Batten disease is an inherited genetic disorder that causes a build-up of lipopigments in the body’s tissues. Batten disease refers to a juvenile form of NCL, but the other forms of NCL can also be referred to as Batten disease. The forms of NCL include:

Infantile NCL

Late infantile NCL

Juvenile NCL

Adult NCL

Causes

Batten disease is caused by abnormalities in genes that are involved with the production and use of certain bodily proteins. The disease results in a build up of fats and proteins called lipopigments in the cells of the brain, eyes, skin, and other tissues.

Researchers have made progress in identifying the defective enzymes and mutated genes that underlie these disorders, but it is not yet known exactly how the gene mutations cause this build up of lipopigments.

Risk Factors

Since Batten disease is an inherited condition, people at risk include:

Children of parents with Batten disease

Children of parents not afflicted with Batten disease, but who carry the abnormal genes that cause the disease

Symptoms

Batten disease may cause:

Vision loss and blindness

Muscle incoordination

Intellectual disability or decreasing mental function after a period of normal development

Symptoms of Batten disease are similar in each type of the disease. However, the time of appearance, severity, and rate of progression of symptoms can vary depending on the type of the disease. For example:

Infantile NCL
(Santavuori-Haltia disease)—Symptoms begin to appear between 6 months-2 years of age and progress rapidly. Children with this type generally live until age 5, though some survive in a vegetative state a few years longer.

Late infantile NCL
(Jansky-Bielschowsky disease)—Symptoms begin to appear between 2-4 years of age and progress rapidly. Children with this type usually live until ages 8-12.

Juvenile NCL
(Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjogren-Batten disease)—Symptoms begin to appear between 5-8 years of age and progress less rapidly. Those with this type usually live until their late teens or early 20s; and in some cases, into their 30s.

Adult NCL (Kufs disease or Party's disease)—Symptoms usually begin to appear before 40 years of age. Symptoms progress slowly and are usually milder. However, this form of the disease usually does shorten a person's life span.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about any symptoms, and medical and family history. In most cases, the first symptoms involve vision problems. An eye exam may lead to the initial diagnosis.

Other tests may include:

Blood tests—Certain substances in the blood may be present or elevated. Blood tests can also detect physical changes in white blood cells.

Nutritional Support

If there is a high risk of malnutrition or dehydration, a nasogastric tube can be used. It is a long, narrow tube that is placed through the nose and into the stomach. Liquid nutrition, water, and medications can be delivered through the tube.

Other Therapies

Other supportive treatments may include:

Physical therapy to maintain as much movement as possible

Occupational therapy to assist in everyday tasks and self-care

Dietary changes which may include vitamin C and E supplements or a diet low in vitamin A

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Batten disease. If you have Batten disease or have a family history of the disorder, you can talk to a genetic counselor when deciding to have children.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.